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Everyone has a different definition of luxury, but most of us would agree that no matter what your style of vacationing -- on a rock-free beach on the coast, high up in a mountain lodge, on an island far offshore -- luxury means surroundings that are beautiful and plush and service that is both understated and intuitive. Read on for advice on five luxury vacations in the United States and choose the one that fits your style.

Two-Island Hop in Hawaii

In Hawaii, Kauai is a quiet alternative to busy Oahu, but you'll feel just as pampered here. Better yet, pair up Kauai and the Hana coast of Maui for an unforgettable vacation. At Kauai's Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa, grab a floating chair and bask for hours in a saltwater lagoon or rent a two-person kayak for ocean paddling. Also on Kauai, the Ko'a Kea Hotel and Resort is a modern, 121-room, Asian-influenced boutique hotel on the island's south shore. The hotel offers various packages for couples, some of which include an oceanfront room, dinner at the resort's restaurant and a couples' massage.

On Maui, the rugged Hana coast at the east end of the island offers some of Hawaii's wildest beaches and a tropical rainforest. Wainapanapa State Park's black sands and world-famous Hamoa Beach offer swimming, snorkeling and surfing. Many tourists to Maui never see the beauty of Hana because they are unwilling to navigate the curving Hana Highway. But that leaves Hana to the more adventurous spirits, who discover the scenery and swimming in Haleakala National Park or hiking to Waimoku Falls. The Hana Kai Maui resort in Hana is an oceanfront collection of one- and two-bedroom condominiums with full kitchens. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, but the kitchens in these modern, well-appointed condos allow you flexibility. The luxurious Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa is another option. The hotel is near Wainapanapa State Park. Hana's Red Sand Beach is also nearby.

Luxury in the Keys

Key West's Casa Marina Resort, part of the Waldorf Astoria chain, is a hacienda-style beauty with a commanding view off toward Cuba. Built in 1920, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Understated elegance is the rule, from the spacious lobby and verandas to the modern European-style guest rooms and suites. There are two oceanfront pools, swaying palm trees with hammocks strung between them, the largest private beach on the island and a private pier. You could laze by the pool after a jog and a luxurious breakfast, but if you bring the kids, they won't let you lie around for long. The resort has facilities for sport fishing, parasailing, scuba diving lessons and many other active water sports. In the evening, slow it down with a sunset catamaran sail with champagne and a fabulous four-course meal at Strip House at Casa Marina's sister resort, The Reach.

Leaving No Footprint in Oregon

If your idea of luxury is communing with nature, head for the southern Oregon coast. About 60 miles north of the California border lies WildSpring Guest Habitat, a five-cabin eco resort with beautiful sunsets, spectacular storm and whale watching, and an embrace of natural living. This Port Orford retreat strives for zero carbon footprint on its secluded stretch of coastline. The inn is surrounded by 100-foot-tall trees on what was once Native American ground. The cabins resemble small homes and are filled with art and antiques. A guest hall for socializing has a floor-to-ceiling ocean view, and you can help yourself to hot drinks or work on a jigsaw puzzle. An open-air slate hot tub/spa overlooks the ocean, and guests can have an in-cabin massage after spending the day at local art galleries, hiking or beach walking without the crush of tourists felt in many Oregon beach towns.

California Desert Escape

Palm Springs is full of the fun, small California-style hotels that were built to accommodate Hollywood stars and those traveling here to see their favorite stars in the glamour days of Hollywood. Luxury resorts and hotels eventually moved in to serve the needs of their luxury clientele, and this little town in the desert began to make a name for itself. A short stroll from downtown Palm Springs sits the Viceroy Palm Springs, a classic boutique hotel and spa at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. Famous guests have included Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Bing Crosby and Joan Crawford. The resort offers private villas and three pools on well-manicured grounds. Estrella Spa promises privacy and head-to-toe luxury in an indoor or outdoor setting. For a taste of the beauty of the desert, the hotel can arrange a guided tour of Indian Canyons, four miles away. Lucky hikers might spy bighorn sheep or a herd of wild ponies in Murray Canyon or the beautiful desert wildflowers by the creek in Palm Canyon.

Grandeur by the Slopes

If a ski vacation is your idea of luxury, the Stein Ericksen Lodge might be just for you. This 128-room, 48-suite lodge in Park City, Utah, wins rave reviews from couples, families and singles who put down everything else and pick up their skis at least once every winter. It's not only the abundant and perfect powder that graces Deer Valley that attracts so many year in and year out; it's the look and feel of this mid-mountain lodge and the level of service that make this place memorable. Bold Scandinavian style abounds, and the lodge never feels cold, thanks to the 145 fireplaces kept burning all winter by the expert staff. The four-star Glitretind restaurant, which boasts a 10-bottle wine cellar, serves contemporary cuisine in a magnificent setting. Sunday brunch features live music. Activities include ski-in, ski-out access to the ski resort in winter, and swimming, hiking, golf, mountain biking and tennis in summer.

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About the Author

Jean Mann has been a writer and editor for more than 30 years. She enjoys writing travel, medical, health and how-to articles for various publishers. Mann is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and English.

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